What in the world is parent coaching and why do you need it?
Parenting is wonderful, hilarious, exhausting, and will cause you to grow like nothing else. Because you love your kids so much, parenting comes with a significant amount of pressure. From the beginning, you're concerned about parenting well and getting it right from the diapering and sleep methods all the way to launching out of the nest. Your child's well-being is at stake and the honest truth is that no new parent has any idea what they are doing. You get one stage somewhat figured out and then it all changes as they grow and you're back to feeling unsure again.
Whether you are overwhelmed in the beginning phase of parenting or you are in the thick of trying to figure out how to discipline your child or teen, healthy parenting requires some intentional thought and planning. Sometimes it's difficult to find the time to decide what specific parenting strategies you will use in the midst of juggling the baths, the food, the schooling, the sports, etc. And, if you're living in a home with another parent present, sometimes it's hard to get on the same page about parenting values.
In the midst of all the daily tasks and the many, many battles you must field in parenting, it can be incredibly relieving and helpful to have an objective, non-judgmental guide to help you process and work through your values, goals, and emotions around parenting. Having coaching discussions will help you:
Identify personal and family values for your parenting foundation
Identify goals for yourself, your child, and your family culture
Strengthen existing and add new skills to your parenting toolbox
Identify and understand how to manage your emotions around parenting
Improve your understanding of your child's brain development
Identify barriers getting in the way of healthy parenting
Identify methods of meaningful connection in your parenting/family
The parent coach's role is not to psychoanalyze or tell you what to do. The coach's role is to guide you to understanding what you desire to be true, what strengths already exist to help you accomplish your desires, and to connect you with new information that will improve parenting confidence.
Next time you're feeling overwhelmed in parenting, remember that you aren't alone. All parents are struggling with their humanity and that of their children every day. Some days you feel competent and other days you feel like you don't know what you're doing. When you need help, reach out and schedule a parent coaching session to gain clarity and skill in parenting from health and consistent values.
Written By: Stephenie Craig, LCSW
Stephenie is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with 18 years experience specializing in emotional/relational health counseling. Stephenie loves hearing others’ stories and helping people find new perspective that produces peace, healing, and connection through individual counseling. Stephenie provides treatment for adults, teenagers, couples, and families with anxiety symptoms, parenting struggles, teen issues, depression, grief, divorce, and other life transitions. Realizing your life is out of balance and ready to schedule your initial counseling session? Connect here for information about counseling Stephenie provides and get your initial therapy session scheduled.